Solar panels

[Torino]

Buongiorno,
I am finally convinced that solar panel are now a must for our motorhome as we are considering off grid camping. After consulting a local installer I have decided to fit my own, it does seem fairly simple. I was thinking of getting a 200 watts unit. Can anyone please offer any suggestions? Also, do people go on the roof when washing it or, like me, struggle with a brush from a ladder beside the van? Molte grazie, Gino

 

[HandyAndy]

Get the biggest and best you can afford that fit in the available space. Mono panels are more efficient than poly and cost more but they are much better at the dawn and dusk ends of the available light where poly gives up earlier.
Make the panels "adjustable" during fitment so that you can angle them toward the sun when parked and you will increase their output about 30% if you are able to keep them pointing in the right direction.
Don't skimpt out on a controller(s), stick with good quality mppt type makes like victron.
And yes i get on my roof and pressure wash it occasionally, depends on the make and construction though I think as to whether it's safe or not.

 

[Hagstrom]

Read what A and N Caravans have to say about panels, battery bank size, solar regulators and EBL/Sargeant/etc electricity management boxes with regard to matching capacities, fusing and trickle charging abilities of MPPT solar controllers.